In Memory of CSMFO Past President Bob Biery
Robert (Bob) Biery, CSMFO Past President from 1984, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023. Bob’s lengthy public service career included serving as finance director for the cities of Monterey Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village. During his many years of volunteer service to CSMFO, Bob was known to have worked with the League of California Cities and CSMFO to establish the geographical boundaries for the local chapters and he amassed considerable institutional knowledge as a long-time member of the Administration Committee. Bob was recognized with CSMFO’s Distinguished Service Award in 1992.
Bob welcomed new people into CSMFO leadership with a warm demeanor, a friendly smile, and words of encouragement. As it turns out, many were inspired to serve over the years in a variety of leadership capacities, whether it be on committees, the Board of Directors, and in the role of President, perhaps encouraged by Bob’s continuing active participation in leadership. At several conferences that celebrated Past Presidents and current leaders, Bob’s booming voice would recognize those in attendance during formal introductions. Often times there were important organizational discussions where the conversation would go to the “archivist” Bob to chime in with a piece of critical information to share with new leadership members. You knew you would always enjoy your interactions with Bob and his wife Patty at conferences and probably get a needed laugh or two.
Outside of CSMFO, Bob and Patty were Founders of the Alliance for the Arts, now known as TOArts in the City of Thousand Oaks. They supported many nonprofits and service organizations, including Rotary International, the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation, Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library, the Conejo Valley Historical Society, Oakleaf Music Festival, National Geographic Speaker Series, and the New West Symphony.
Bob loved to travel with his wife, especially to the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. He is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
In honor of Bob and in recognition of his lifelong service to CSMFO and the municipal finance profession, President Rich Lee contributed to the New West Symphony, where Bob and his wife were recently recognized as 2022 Honorees. Special thanks to Past President John Adams for providing pictures and to David Garrison for making a special video montage to honor and remember Bob.
